Prosecutors in New York probing Trump Organization finances have told former Donald Trump bodyguard Matthew Calamari that he is off th...
Prosecutors in New York probing Trump Organization finances have told former Donald Trump bodyguard Matthew Calamari that he is off the hook and will not be prosecuted, his lawyer says.
Calamari, the chief operating officer of the president's company, had come under scrutiny from tax investigators for his use of a company car and other matters.
But the feds have 'no present intention' of charging him, Calamari's lawyer Nicholas Gravante Jr. told the New York Times.
'We believe that is the fair and just decision,” he said. 'What the future holds in terms of the district attorney’s continuing investigation is anyone’s guess.”
Gravante Jr. told CNN Calamari 'has committed no crimes and has led an exemplary life.'
Prosecutors have 'no present intention' of indicted Matthew Calamari, the chief operating officer of the Trump Organization
The move could signal a decision by prosecutors to home in on an area that has long been of interest to investigators: whether the company submitted materially different valuations for tax purposes that it did when seeking approval from lenders – pumping up the value for banks but diminishing it to lower the tax burden.
Prosecutors in retiring Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance's office have issued new subpoenas for Trump golf properties, hotels, and office buildings, according to the New York Times.
Press reports earlier this week focused on Trump Organization valuations for 40 Wall Street, a Manhattan condo tower, of $527 million in 2012 in documents put forward to lenders. But the company told tax officials it was only worth $16.7 million, city records revealed.
In July prosecutors indicted Trump CFO Allen Weisselberg, charging him with 'sweeping and audacious tax fraud schemes and taking $1.7 million in off-the-books compensation. They also indicted the Trump Organization. Weisselberg and the company have each pleaded not guilty.
Calamari appeared in "Episode #9 of 'The Apprentice' - Bringing Down the House" along with Carolyn Kepcher. The Wall Street Journal reported in June that investigators were lookin at Calamari's finances and whether he benefitted from off-books compensation
Allen Weisselberg waits as his security call for his car after departing Manhattan Criminal Courthouse, Manhattan, New York. September 20 2021. The Trump Org. CFO was indicted this summer
Authorities are probing Donald Trump's company as he considers whether to run for president in 2024
Press reports earlier this week focused on Trump Organization valuations for 40 Wall Street for lenders as well as for tax authorities
Manhattan DA Cy Vance is to leave office at the end of the year, and indicated he wants to make a decision on charges before he departs. He is being succeeded by Alvin Bragg, a former federal prosecutor.
The legal action behind the scenes comes as Trump continues to be a major force in Republican politics, without ruling out a potential run for president in 2024 – adding import to any decision to prosecute or not.
The Wall Street Journal reported in June that investigators were lookin at Calamari's finances and whether he benefitted from off-books compensation.
Manhattan DA Cy Vance Jr. is retiring at the end of the year
NBC News reported in September that Calamari's son, Matthew Calamari Jr., who also works for the company, was called to testify before a grand jury.
The Manhattan DA convened another grand jury to hear the case, it was reported earlier this month.
New York AG Letitia James has been probing valuation of another Trump property: the Seven Springs estate north of New York City.
Former Trump fixer Michael Cohen, who was released from prison this week, raised accusations the company made different valuations for tax and borrowing purposes during his testimony before Congress.
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